Fire ravages Guyana port, destroys several passenger boats

The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) on Tuesday said that at least 14 passenger boats were destroyed and several others damaged after a fire swept through the Vreed-en-Hoop Stelling on the West Coast Demerara.

Reports are that in the wake of the incident, several individuals were interrogated, among them is the watchman of the vessel from which the fire started.

The GFS disclosed that he is now in custody at the Vreed-En-Hoop Police Outpost, where he is contributing to the ongoing investigation.

Fire department's immediate actions

According to reports, the fire department received the initial emergency call. Upon their arrival at the scene, firefighters were met with the sight of multiple burning boats.

Initial information from the police suggests that the fire erupted from the rear of a vessel docked on the southern side of the Vreed-en-Hoop stelling. However, the GFS stressed that this alleged cause is still speculative and calls for further scrutiny from Fire Prevention officers.

In its statement, the GFS did not give an estimate of the damages incurred from the fire.

Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.